The English Team to Launch the European Championship 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground

The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they achieve the anticipated qualification for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top their group, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the venue by about 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were raised with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will attract households and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through that route.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a championship for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its passion and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.